The world has changed dramatically since Boomers were young, and although some of these changes have been positive, others have left Boomers feeling confused and frustrated. Here are 18 changes that have left Boomers scratching their heads.
The Rise of Social Media
The concept of sharing every detail of your life online is lost with Boomers. They were raised to cherish privacy and face-to-face connections, and the thought of broadcasting their feelings and thoughts to the world seems strange to them. While platforms like Facebook are becoming more popular among Boomers to stay connected with distant friends and family, you most likely won’t see many on more wider and popular platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Remote Work
Most Boomers value the structure and relationships of a traditional work environment, and the idea of working alone in front of a computer all day feels alienating and counterproductive. Boomers may struggle to adjust to the new reality of online meetings and collaboration.
Political Correctness
Boomers grew up in a time when individuals were freer to express themselves and political correctness was less of an issue. They may believe that today’s culture is overly sensitive and easily offended. Boomers may also find it difficult to keep up with the constantly shifting rules of acceptable language and behavior, and they may feel as if they need to tread carefully in social situations.
Hashtags and Memes
For the Boomers who do use social media, the world of hashtags and memes seems puzzling and even unpleasant. They may not comprehend the significance of placing a symbol before a word, and they might think the endless stream of ridiculous images and jokes to be an unnecessary use of time. Boomers may also believe that younger generations prioritize creating and distributing content over having meaningful conversations.
The Decline of Print Media
Boomers grew up with newspapers and magazines as their primary sources of information and pleasure. But in today’s digital world, many of these conventional media channels are fighting to remain relevant. Boomers may believe that the quality of journalism has deteriorated and that the constant flood of online news is overwhelming and impossible to manage.
Avocado on Toast
Let’s face it, avocado on toast remains a popular trend among influencers and celebrities. And Boomers just don’t get it. They don’t understand why younger people are willing to spend their hard-earned money on what appears to be a trendy but pricey snack. For Boomers, a slice of toast with butter is sufficient.
Lost Traditional Values
Boomers were raised in an era when traditional values such as loyalty, hard labor, and respect for authority were highly valued. They were told to follow the rules and pay their dues. But in today’s society, many of these values appear to have faded away. Boomers frequently believe that younger generations are more interested in immediate satisfaction and personal fulfillment rather than putting in the effort.
Different Lifestyles
Boomers grew up in a time driven by conventional gender roles and family structures. So alternative lifestyles such as same-sex unions, polyamory, and gender fluidity can be a hard pill for some Boomers to swallow. While many Boomers are open-minded and receptive to these changes, others may struggle to comprehend or embrace them and may believe that old values are being undermined.
Personal Branding
Personal branding has grown in importance in today’s digital age, particularly among younger generations seeking to stand out in a crowded market. But for Boomers, creating an online presence and continuously advertising oneself can appear inauthentic and even egotistical.
Wellness and Self-Care
In recent years, the wellness industry has grown dramatically, with everything from meditation and yoga to juice cleanses and essential oils. But for many Boomers, the concept of devoting time and money to self-care might seem frivolous. They may prioritize hard labor and self-sacrifice over personal fulfillment, and they may see the emphasis on wellness as indicative of an overly self-centered generation.
Lack of Face-to-Face Interactions
In today’s digital age, much of our contact takes place on screens. But for Boomers, nothing can replace the importance of face-to-face conversation. They may believe that younger people are losing the ability to meaningfully connect with others, as well as crucial social skills.
The Need For Instant Gratification
Modern society values instant satisfaction, from same-day delivery to streaming. But for Boomers, this reliance can feel naive and even risky. They may respect the belief that good things come to those who wait, and they may be concerned that younger people are not learning valuable lessons about patience and endurance.
Cancel Culture
Cancel culture has been more common in recent years. But many Boomers see this trend as a threat to free speech. They may be concerned that people are judging others too quickly based on a single error, silencing valuable voices in the process.
60 is the New 40
While they may respect the sentiment behind this saying, many Boomers also value the wisdom gained with age, and they may believe that this concept ignores the challenges and changes that come with growing older. Boomers may like to be recognised and acknowledged for the full lives they have led, rather than hearing that they are still young and trendy.
Online Dating
Boomers grew up meeting potential partners through friends, family, and social events. The concept of online dating, where people meet via apps and websites, can appear impersonal and weird. They may miss traditional dating and the face-to-face relationships that thrived in their day.
Environmental Consciousness
While many Boomers are environmentally conscious, the level of activism and lifestyle changes demanded by younger people may seem extreme. The emphasis on sustainable living, zero-waste lifestyles, and climate change activism can be seen as a radical shift from the more moderate environmental efforts they grew up with.
Influencer Culture
The concept of influencers may seem superficial and baffling to Boomers. They may struggle to understand why individuals would seek advice or validation from online personalities rather than traditional experts or trusted people in their lives.
Crowdfunding
The concept of raising money online, using platforms such as Kickstarter or GoFundMe, may appear unusual to Boomers. They are more familiar with traditional forms of fundraising such as bank loans and community fundraisers.
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